Ellie pressed her lips together. “We can’t really know what another person is thinkin’ or feelin’, but he’s my twin brother, and I care ’bout him.”

Menno was quiet for a while, then said, “Must be hard for you, writing him and knowin’ what he’s putting you and your family through. I wouldn’t do it.”

She couldn’t believe how judgmental Menno sounded. “Did ya know that the bishop and others are keepin’ in touch with Evan?”

“But isn’t that just to try an’ keep him from turnin’ his back on God and the People?”

“I’d like to think it’s out of kindness and caring . . . for a young man who’s lost his way. There’s still hope, I believe.” She pushed her hands beneath the heavy lap blankets, recalling Ruthann’s peculiar remark about how things were different when she and Sol went out alone. But this isn’t only different, Ellie realized. Menno’s spouting off his true feelings . . . and it’s hurtful.

For much too long, Menno said nothing, and Ellie felt all the more annoyed. At last, she said, “Ya know, if Evan’s bad decision upsets ya so, maybe you’d rather not be around his sister.”

“You mean . . .” Menno’s tone held surprise.

She shrugged.

“Actually, Ellie, I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while ’bout the shame Evan’s put on not just himself and your family but on all the People here.” Menno paused. “But I didn’t think you’d react this way . . . defending him.”

She shook her head, fuming inwardly. “Whatever he’s done, I love my brother!”

Menno murmured under his breath, and she had a pretty clear picture of what he felt toward Evan and possibly toward her and her family. Now she couldn’t wait for this evening to be over.

Another half mile, and they approached the front of her house. “Will ya let me out here?” she said.

“I’d like to walk ya to the door,” Menno said as he signaled the horse to turn into the long driveway.

When they came to a stop, Ellie pushed the lap blankets back and stepped out of the buggy. She was met in front of the mare by Menno, who walked with her toward the steps leading to the side door. “Didn’t mean to offend ya,” he said.

“Wish you’d said somethin’ before now.”

Menno looked toward the sky, then back at her. “Still, I don’t see how I can change my opinion.”

How long has he felt such resentment toward Evan? she wondered, determined not to look back as she quickly climbed the porch steps, baffled this night had made such a sudden turn. Even so, it was better to know where Menno stood than to continue hoping they might end up courting.

“Well, gut Nacht, Ellie,” she heard him say.